Man City ace Silva admits Man Utd title experience gives them edge

Silva admits that City's task is made all the more difficult by the seasoned experience of their rivals.

"There is definitely a difference when you are fighting for a title against clubs like United or Real Madrid or Barcelona," Silva told the Telegraph. "They are so used to winning, it means that you have to have a different frame of mind when you challenge them because that's the only way to overcome them.

"You know that, the minute that you make a mistake, they will kill the game or take advantage of any slip. So you do feel different when you play against them or are in a title race with them.

"But winning big trophies gives you self-confidence and belief that you can do it again. It teaches you not to be afraid and to have faith that you can win. That is what happened with Spain after winning Euro 2008.

"City, as a club, is getting that mentality now. Winning the FA Cup last year has made everyone think, 'Actually, we can win things.'

"So now, we are saying, 'Let's go and win it,' because we proved to ourselves that we could do this last year."